Cracking, season-changing games are the order of the round, with the W-League's round eight kicking off the new year with grand final-worthy games.
Second-placed Sydney FC will host first-placed Roar on the first day of the new year, in a game that will determine not only who sits atop the table but that may prove crucial in terms of minor premiership contention.
Reigning champions Sydney started the season strongly, before the Newcastle Jet's surprise comeback a couple of rounds back toppled them and enabled the Roar to capture the ladder lead. But Sydney have made it clear that the shock loss was but a stumble, and they're looking to come out on top both in terms of the match and the league table.
Roar Women, who won season one and who might have won season two had they not been tripped up by a draw against the resurgent Adelaide United going into the finals that saw them on the back foot finals-wise, will be focused heading into the match though.
Both teams realise that, although state of origin matches are played at a higher tempo, winning this match could prove crucial to a successful finals campaign.
The second and final match of the weekend will prove equally crucial for the Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory as they fight to stay mid table and edge closer to the top four. Sitting fifth and sixth on six and four points, respectively, Newcastle and Melbourne are within striking distance of both each other and of the top four.
Perth Glory currently occupies the hallowed fourth place with nine points, and both Newcastle and Melbourne know that nothing less than win will keep them in the finals race at this the business end of the season.
It's hard to predict either round eight match's outcome, though, with the teams difficult to separate in terms of skill or points. Either way, they'll be blockbuster, grand final-style games to kick off the new year. The Sydney v Roar top-of-the-table clash will be broadcast live and exclusive at 3pm on ABC 1.
